Cleaning and Caring for Your Brass Decor

Natural tips to keep your favourite pieces glowing-without harsh chemicals

Brass décor brings a beautiful warmth and timeless elegance to any space-whether it’s a tiny brass trinket dish on your bedside table or a statement brass candle holder in the living room. But like anything worth keeping, it needs a little TLC to keep it looking its best

If you’ve been wondering how to clean brass, don’t stress-most brass decor pieces are easier to care for than you’d think. And even better? You probably have everything you need in your pantry already

How to Clean Brass (the Natural Way)

Let’s ditch the chemicals and go old-school with these brass care tips:

Lemon + Salt

This is a classic-and it works

How to:

Cut a lemon in half
Dip the cut side in fine salt (like table salt)
Rub it gently over your brass item
Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth

Perfect for solid brass candle holders, trays, or decorative bowls

Vinegar + Flour + Salt Paste

Yep, it sounds like a salad gone wrong-but it works wonders.

How to:

Mix 1 tsp salt with ½ cup vinegar and enough flour to make a paste
Apply it to your brass décor and let it sit for 10–15 minutes
Rinse with warm water and polish dry

This method is great for trickier tarnish or pieces with curves and crevices

How to Polish Brass Naturally

Once your piece is clean, a quick polish brings out that beautiful glow. Use a soft, dry cloth (microfibre works best) and gently buff the surface until it shines

You can even use a few drops of olive oil on a cloth to help protect the finish and slow down future tarnish. Think of it as skincare- for your shelf styling

Quick Care Tips to Keep Brass Looking Beautiful

Avoid harsh cleaners – especially anything acidic or abrasive
Dry thoroughly after cleaning – brass and moisture are not friends
Dust regularly – a quick wipe keeps the dullness at bay
Keep it indoors – most brass décor isn’t made for the elements

Our Brass Décor is Worth Caring For 💛

At Jade and May, we hand-pick brass décor pieces that are made to last- and get better with age. From our ethically sourced candle holders to statement trays and thoughtful gifting pieces, every item in our collection is worth holding onto

Natural materials like brass are meant to be lived with-not just looked at. A little care goes a long way in keeping them beautiful for years to come